Immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of the holiday season with "Christmas Star: A Christmas Festival" by The Cambridge Singers, conducted by the renowned John Rutter. This captivating album, released in 2013 under the Collegium label, is a treasure trove of 42 beautifully arranged Christmas carols and songs, spanning a generous 2 hours and 14 minutes. It's a delightful blend of classic and contemporary pieces, showcasing the versatility and skill of The Cambridge Singers, accompanied by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and the Farnham Youth Choir.
The album features a mix of well-known favorites and hidden gems, all meticulously arranged by John Rutter and other esteemed arrangers. From the stirring "O Come All Ye Faithful" to the tender "Silent Night," each track is performed with precision and passion, bringing the true spirit of Christmas to life. Notable highlights include Rutter's own arrangements of "I Wonder as I Wander," "Mary's Boy Child," and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas," as well as traditional carols like "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."
"Christmas Star: A Christmas Festival" is a testament to John Rutter's mastery of choral music and his ability to curate a collection that resonates with listeners of all ages. Whether you're a longtime fan of The Cambridge Singers or new to their work, this album is sure to become a cherished part of your holiday tradition. So, gather your loved ones, pour a cup of hot cocoa, and let the enchanting melodies of "Christmas Star: A Christmas Festival" fill your home with the magic of the season.
2013 Collegium2013 Collegium
Tracks
O Come All Ye Faithful (Arr. D. Willcocks)John Francis Wade, The Cambridge Singers, Farnham Youth Choir, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
Piae cantiones: Gaudate (Arr. J. Rutter & M. Neaum)Anonymous, Farnham Youth Choir, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
The Shepherd's CarolBob Chilcott, John Rutter, The Cambridge Singers
New Year's Eve (Arr. J. Rutter)Traditional, Elin Manahan Thomas, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
I Wonder as I Wander (Arr. J. Rutter) [1]Traditional, Melanie Marshall, Andrew Williams, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
Ave MariaJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day (Arr. J. Rutter)Traditional, Farnham Youth Choir, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
Rejoice and Be MerryJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
El Noi de la Mare (Arr. J. Rutter)Traditional, Clara Sanabras, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
A Christmas OvertureNigel Hess, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
Born on a New Day (Arr. P. Knight)John David, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
Magical KingdomJohn Rutter, Farnham Youth Choir, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Mary's Boy Child (Arr. J. Rutter)Jester Hairston, Melanie Marshall, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
Esta noche (Arr. J. Rutter)Traditional, Clara Sanabras, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
3 Small Tone Poems, RT VI/7: No. 2, Winter Night (Sleigh Ride)Frederick Delius, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
The Virgin Mary Had a Baby Boy (Arr. J. Rutter)Traditional, Melanie Marshall, Farnham Youth Choir, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
New YearJohn Rutter, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
I Wish You ChristmasJohn Rutter, Farnham Youth Choir, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (After F. Menelssohn) [Arr. D. Willcocks]William Hayman Cummings, Farnham Youth Choir, The Cambridge Singers, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas (From "Meet Me in St. Louis") [Arr. J. Rutter]Hugh Martin, Melanie Marshall, John Anderson, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, John Rutter
Good Christian Men, Rejoice (Arr. J. Rutter)Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra, John Rutter
I Wonder as I Wander (Arr. J. Rutter) [2]Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
All My Heart This Night RejoicesJohann Georg Ebeling, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Silent Night, H. 145 (Arr. for Unaccompanied Choir)Franz Xaver Gruber, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Lo How a Rose E'er BloomingMichael Praetorius, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Ding Dong! Merrily on High (Arr. C. Wood)Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
We Three Kings of Orient Are (Arr. J. Rutter)John Henry Hopkins, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra, John Rutter
How Great Our Joy (Arr. J. Rutter)Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra, John Rutter
Angels We Have Heard on High (Arr. J. Rutter)Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Joy to the World (Arr. J. Rutter)Lowell Mason, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra, John Rutter
Away in a Manger (Arr. J. Rutter) [1]James Ramsey Murray, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra, John Rutter
Un flambeau, Jeannette, Isabelle (Arr. J. Rutter)Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra, John Rutter
God Rest You Merry, Gentlemen (Arr. J. Rutter)Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra, John Rutter
What Child is This? (Arr. J. Rutter)Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
'Twas in the Moon of Winter Time (Arr. J. Rutter)Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
O Little One Sweet, BWV 493 (Arr. J.S. Bach)Johann Sebastian Bach, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Go, Tell It on the Mountain (Arr. J. Rutter)Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra, John Rutter
Away in a Manger (Arr. J. Rutter) [2]William J. Kirkpatrick, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
Rise up Shepherd, and Follow (Arr. J. Rutter)Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, John Rutter
The Christmas Song (Arr. for Choir & Orchestra)Robert Wells, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra, John Rutter
We Wish You a Merry Christmas (Arr. J. Rutter)Traditional, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra, John Rutter
O Come All Ye Faithful (Arr. for Choir, Organ & Orchestra)John Francis Wade, The Cambridge Singers, Cambridge Orchestra, John Rutter
The Cambridge Singers, founded in 1981 by renowned composer and conductor John Rutter, are a distinguished English mixed-voice chamber choir known for their exceptional recordings. Originally comprising former members of the Choir of Clare College, Cambridge, where Rutter served as Director of Music, the group was established with a primary focus on creating high-quality recordings under their own label, Collegium Records. With over fifty recordings to their credit, The Cambridge Singers have become synonymous with exquisite choral performances, spanning both sacred and secular repertoire from various eras. Their discography showcases a rich tapestry of compositions, featuring works by esteemed composers such as Stanford, Britten, and Rutter himself. The choir's members, predominantly professional ensemble singers, bring a wealth of experience and talent to their recordings, ensuring a polished and refined sound that resonates with audiences worldwide.
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The Cambridge Singers
